April 22nd is Henry T. Sampson Jr. Day!!!

April 22nd is Henry T. Sampson Jr. Day!!! 

Henry T. Sampson Jr. Sampson was a pioneer as one of the first African-American chemical engineering graduates. He then became the first African-American to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering in the United States. He went on to be a research chemical engineer for the US Navy and then eventually started working for Aerospace Corp.  On July 6, 1971, he was awarded a patent with George H. Miley for the invention of the gamma-electric cell, a direct-conversion energy device that converts the energy generated from the radiation of high-energy gamma rays into electricity. This is is most well-known invention, but he also went on to be awarded patents in rocket propellants, motors, and explosives. Not only is he a brilliant man, but one of character and culture as well.  He wrote a two-volume set called “Blacks in Black Face: A Source Book on Early Black Musical Shows” about African-Americans in stage, cinema, radio, TV, etc.  He has written many books about this subject and is passionate about these amazing people in history being applauded and recognized for their contributions. Thank you Mr. Sampson Jr. for all of your contributions and inspiration! Please click the link below and learn more about Henry T. Sampson. :-)

https://engineering.purdue.edu/Engr/People/Awards/Institutional/DEA/DEA_2013/Sampson